Mumbai: 35,000 farmers march in protest against BJP government’s failure

March 12, 2018, 9:29 AM IST

Mumbai: Around 35,000 disappointed farmers led by All-India Kisan Sabha(AIKS) over BJP-led Government’s failure in addressing their financial issues marched into country’s financial capital Mumbai on Sunday demanding complete loan waiver and other issues concerning the remunerative price for the produce, and transfer of lands to tribals.

According to the organizers, BJP’s ally Shiv Sena, Raj Thackeray’s Navnirman Sena along with Nationalist Congress Party have all lent their support to the farmers.

Ajit Nawale of All India Kisan Sabha said senior Sena leader Eknath Shinde had welcomed the protestors and the leaders when the march entered in the state.

Nawale said, “Shinde welcomed the protestors in Thane district and extended support to the demands of the farmers. He said he was conveying the message of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.
Similarly, Abhijit Jadhav, an emissary of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, also met us and got me in touch with the MNS chief over phone. The MNS too has extended support to our demands.”

The farmers who are left in a destitute state by the Government are now protesting at BJP’s failure for failing the solve farmers issues like loan waivers, good remuneration for the crops produced, Forest Rights Act, tribal lands in government’s acquisition, etc said AIKS leader.

The farmers are also demanding river water to be linked to areas of Nashik, Plaghar, Thane, Tribal lands, as well as drought-prone districts.

Tribal lands over taken by the Government for high speed rail and highways is also a huge concern for these farmers. “We are demanding an increase in pension schemes for poor peasants and farm workers, compensation for losses due to bollworm and pest attacks and rehauling of the public distribution system,” he said.

AIKS national president Ashok Dawale will be addressing the march today along with CPI(M) MLA JP Gavit, state president Kisan Gujar and president Arjun Ade, te Wire reported.